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Air Quality and Pollution Management for UPSC
47 notes · updated 8 Nov 2026
In the news
- CAQM enforces Stage 3 action plan as Delhi-NCR enters hazardous environmental phase
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR due to hazardous air quality levels.
- Delhi air quality to turn 'severe' Sunday due to Diwali and stubble burning
The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) forecasted that Delhi's air quality will turn 'severe' on Sunday due to a combination of Diwali celebrations, vehicular emissions, and stubble burning.
- Delhi AQI hits 382: Commission invokes stricter GRAP-III pollution curbs with immediate effect
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked GRAP-III pollution curbs in Delhi and NCR immediately after the AQI reached 382, despite the standard threshold being 400.
- Supreme Court identifies vehicular emissions as major contributor to Delhi-NCR air pollution
The Supreme Court identified vehicular emissions as a major contributor to Delhi-NCR air pollution while noting the AQI reached 400.
- APPCB orders enforcement of pollution limits as Visakhapatnam PM10 levels hit 238 micrograms
The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) ordered the enforcement of pollution limits and noise regulations in Visakhapatnam as PM10 levels reached 238 micrograms per cubic metre during Deepavali.
- Noida and Faridabad among 4 cities failing to complete air pollution source apportionment studies
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that four NCR cities, including Noida and Faridabad, have failed to complete air pollution source apportionment studies despite the November 15, 2025 deadline.
- Delhi invokes Stage II Graded Response Action Plan as air quality crosses 300
Delhi authorities invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as air quality exceeded 300, entering the 'very poor' category.
- CAQM applies Stage-II restrictions across NCR as Delhi AQI hits 324
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed Stage-II restrictions across the National Capital Region (NCR) after Delhi's average AQI reached 324.
- Delhi records first 'very poor' air quality with AQI of 324
Delhi recorded its first 'very poor' air quality of the season with an AQI of 324, prompting the use of the Decision Support System (DSS) to identify pollution sources.
- Delhi records lowest October AQI in 8 years at average of 166
The Union Environment Ministry reported that Delhi recorded its lowest average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 166 for the month of October in eight years.
- CPCB orders Delhi-NCR industrial units to shut if they lack air pollution control devices
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) directed authorities to shut down industrial units in Delhi-NCR that fail to provide evidence of ordering air pollution control devices within five days.
- Delhi Traffic Police announces revised GRAP rules to curb pollution from November 1, 2026
The Delhi Traffic Police announced revised GRAP rules effective November 1, 2026, to curb pollution, while Dr. Sachin Kumar Singhal directed a drive against operators using fake National Emission Permits (NEPs).
- Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reported that Delhi’s winter air
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reported that Delhi's winter air quality showed no consistent improvement over four years despite the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
- Delhi AQI hits 174 as ICAR detects 1,935 farm-fire events across six states
The CPCB reported a high AQI of 174 in Delhi while ICAR-IARI detected 1,935 farm-fire events across six states, highlighting the link between agricultural burning and urban air quality.
- Toxic white foam reappears on Yamuna River as Delhi-NCR AQI hits 168
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as Delhi-NCR AQI hit 168 and toxic white foam reappeared on the Yamuna River.
- Mumbai AQI hits 322 as Bombay High Court declares emergency over health complaints
The Bombay High Court declared an emergency due to worsening health complaints as Mumbai's AQI reached 322, while Delhi recorded a moderate AQI of 176 following 'war mode' anti-pollution measures.
- Delhi winter mean AQI rose from 280 in 2022-23 to 304 in 2023-24
Manoj Kumar of CREA reported that Delhi's winter mean AQI rose from 280 in 2022-23 to 304 in 2023-24, highlighting the persistent severity of winter air pollution.
- CAQM imposes GRAP-1, banning coal and firewood in eateries as Delhi air turns 'poor'
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed GRAP-1 and banned coal and firewood in eateries as Delhi's air quality reached 'poor' status.
- Delhi records 17.1°C minimum temperature as ICAR-IARI records 98 stubble-burning events
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and ICAR-IARI reported a spike in stubble-burning events and specific weather conditions in Delhi on October 19, 2026.
- Delhi and Centre unveil Winter Action Plan 2026-27 to tackle NCR air pollution
The Delhi government and the Centre unveiled the Winter Action Plan 2026-27 to combat NCR air pollution, featuring fuel station restrictions and vehicle entry bans.
- IIT Delhi records poor AQI of 207 as ICAR detects 19 stubble-burning events
IIT Delhi recorded a poor AQI of 207 as the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute detected 19 stubble-burning events across six states.
- Delhi bans non-compliant vehicles from November 1 under strict new Winter Action Plan
The Delhi government and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change unveiled the Winter Action Plan 2026-27 to combat air pollution in the NCR region.
- Kerala's Air Quality Worst in South India, Study Shows 25 Cities Failing PM10 Standards
A CSTEP study revealed that Kerala has the highest local contribution to air pollution in South India, with 25 cities failing PM10 standards under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
- Delhi's Air Plunges to 'Poor' as Dust from Afghan Storms Hits AQI 261
Delhi's AQI hit 261 due to transnational mineral dust from Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, highlighting the transboundary nature of air pollution.
- WHO guidelines missed on 99% days for particulate pollution in Delhi: Study
A study by EnviroCatalysts revealed that Delhi's PM10 levels exceeded WHO guidelines for nearly 90% of the monitoring period, highlighting a persistent structural public health crisis.
- 204 of 238 Indian cities did not meet air quality standards: CREA
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) released an analysis of CPCB data showing that 204 out of 238 Indian cities failed to meet national air quality standards during winter 2025-26.
- Air pollution: SC seeks replies from Centre on proposal to shift coal-based industries out of NCR
The Supreme Court sought responses from the Union Ministries and CAQM regarding a proposal to relocate all coal-based industries out of the Delhi-NCR region to combat air pollution.
- Delhi air quality remains ‘severe’ as AQI stands at 439; minimum temperatures stay below normal
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a 'severe' AQI of 439 in Delhi, leading the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reinstate Stage-IV GRAP measures.
- Flights delayed in Delhi amid dense fog, AQI in ‘very poor’ category
The Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) convened a meeting to address Delhi's 'very poor' AQI and dense fog causing flight delays.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR to combat severe air pollution
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR to combat severe air pollution.
- Air pollution: Supreme Court asks NHAI, MCD to consider shifting or closing 9 toll plazas at Delhi borders
The Supreme Court directed the NHAI and MCD to consider closing or relocating nine toll plazas at Delhi's borders to mitigate severe air pollution.
- Air quality worsens in Delhi, AQI settles in ‘severe’ zone
The Central Pollution Control Board reported Delhi's AQI reached 459, leading the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage-IV actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
- Delhi Air Pollution: Centre warns NCR industries to install emission monitors by December 31
The Centre directed Delhi-NCR authorities to enforce the installation of real-time emission monitoring systems and air pollution control devices in industries by December 31, 2025.
- Experts attribute spike in AQI in Mumbai to construction activities, vehicular pollution
Climate scientists and IMD officials attributed the spike in Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI) to infrastructure work and vehicular pollution, leading to BMC enforcement actions.
- Bengaluru’s air cleanest among Indian metros, but still not ‘safe’
Climate Trends released a study analyzing air quality data from 2015 to November 2025, revealing that while Bengaluru has the cleanest air among Indian metros, no major urban center meets 'safe' air quality levels.
- Delhi-NCR air pollution: SC to take up plea on December 3, says need for continuous monitoring
The Supreme Court scheduled a hearing for December 3 to address a plea on Delhi-NCR air pollution, emphasizing the need for expert-driven, long-term solutions.
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Key facts
- Scheme: National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) concentrations in 130 cities across 22 states. note →
- Body: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Nodal body for monitoring air quality and source apportionment. note →
- Concept: Source Apportionment: Estimates contributions from vehicles, industries, road dust, construction, and biomass burning. note →
- Concept: GRAP: Graded Response Action Plan is the framework under which Stage-III restrictions are implemented.
- Concept: PM2.5 — Fine Particulate Matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less capable of entering the bloodstream note →
- Concept: Decision Support System (DSS) — Tool used to identify pollution sources, attributing 19.2% to transport and 8.4% to stubble burning note →
Practice · 5 questions
At what Air Quality Index (AQI) level is the Stage IV action plan triggered under the Graded Response Action Plan?
- (a)600
- (b)300
- (c)500
- (d)450
Answer
(d) 450 — The note states that Stage IV is triggered if the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaches 450. Note →
Which system was used to identify that transport contributed 21.4% to Delhi's pollution?
- (a)Bharat Mala Project
- (b)Decision Support System
- (c)National Clean Air Programme
- (d)Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
Answer
(b) Decision Support System — The note states the Decision Support System identified transport as contributing 21.4% to pollution. Note →
Which of the following actions is included under the Stage 3 measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)?
- (a)Mandatory industrial relocation
- (b)Complete ban on all private vehicles
- (c)Universal water rationing
- (d)Suspending non-essential construction
Answer
(d) Suspending non-essential construction — The note specifies that Stage 3 GRAP measures include banning certain vehicles and suspending non-essential construction. Note →
With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, consider the following statements:
- GRAP-III measures apply exclusively to the city of Delhi.
- GRAP-III measures are typically invoked when the Air Quality Index reaches 400.
- The Commission invoked GRAP-III measures only after the AQI exceeded 400.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Answer
(a) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The measures apply to Delhi and NCR districts. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Commission invoked GRAP-III when the AQI reached 382. Note →
With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and air quality management in the NCR, consider the following statements:
- The CAQM is the body responsible for air quality management in the NCR.
- The restrictions were enforced after Delhi's average AQI hit 382.
- Stage-III restrictions include a ban on all types of construction activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)1 and 3 only
Answer
(c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The restrictions specifically target non-essential construction. Note →